Scholarships and Grants for Military Dependents
The spouse and children of a military service member have several scholarship and grant opportunities available to them to pursue higher education. There is money available to pay for tuition, books and lab-related expenses. Some scholarships are academically based whereas others are based on financial need. In addition to military-wide grants and scholarships, each branch generally has their own options available for dependents of that branch of service as well.
Career Advancement Accounts (CAA)
Military spouses are eligible for up to $6,000 towards higher education. The CAA is available for two years to military spouses with a maximum of $3,000 per year. The grant money is paid directly to the school.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
The Post 9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to dependents once the military member reenlists in the military or opts for the new GI bill option. The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides tuition which varies by state, an annual stipend for books and monthly housing allowance based on the E-5 rate and the zip code where the school is located. If the service member is active duty, the housing allowance through the GI Bill is not available.
National Military Family Association (NMFA)
NMFA offers a $1,000 annual scholarship to spouses of military service members. To apply, the spouse must complete an application which includes essay questions. Spouses may apply every year for this benefit.
Commissary Scholarships
Annual scholarships are available for military children through the commissary on each post. The minimum scholarship amount is $1,500, and a scholarship will be awarded at each commissary that has qualified applicants.
Thanks USA
This organization provides scholarships to pay for tuition, books and other education-related expenses at technical schools and colleges for military children and spouses. This is an annual scholarship.
Emergency Relief
Every branch of military service has an emergency relief organization that provides needed funds to military families in emergency situations. Each organization also has a scholarship program for military spouses and children who meet certain financial need requirements. Requirements vary based on the branch of service.
Unit Scholarships
Through the family readiness group of each unit, scholarships may be available for military spouses and children. This is individual to each unit and may not be available at every unit.
Spouse Clubs
Many posts have an active spouses club for spouses of military service members. Most of these clubs offer scholarships for spouses and children through an annual application process.
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